Date: 2/02/11
Contact: Chris Cheff
Phone: (702) 486-5127 x 3504

ARCHERY IN THE SCHOOLS STATE TOURNAMENT TAKES FLIGHT

More than 300 student-archers from area schools are expected to line up and take their shots when the curtain goes up on the Nevada National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) State Tournament Thursday, Feb. 10 at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Now in its second year, this tournament is the premier event for students participating in the Nevada NASP program and could open the door for some participants to attend the NASP Nationals scheduled later this year in Louisville, KY.

Returning to the tournament for a second consecutive year, and representing the Northwest Career and Technical Academy, is sophomore Andrew Harris. Harris, who is legally blind, gained recognition and the respect of fellow archers for his performance during the 2010 NASP Nevada State Tournament. After becoming the first blind student in Nevada to compete at the state level, Harris will now be vying to become the first blind student to compete at NASP Nationals.

Although the State Tournament is hosted by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), which oversees and coordinates the Silver State's NASP Program, the event is held in conjunction with the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) World Archery Festival. The first flight will begin at 9 a.m. and the public is welcome.

"By permitting our student-archers to use their shooting lanes, the National Field Archery Association is making this tournament possible," said Doug Nielsen, public information officer for NDOW. "Without their help and generosity this event would not be possible."

In addition to the competition, archers will have the opportunity to hear from and observe Matt Stutzman, an accomplished archer who was born with no arms. Called "The Inspirational Archer," Stutzman purchased his first bow at the age of 16 and taught himself to shoot using his feet. He views himself not as being disabled but as someone who has unusual abilities and does things in a unique way.

In order to be eligible for the State Tournament, students must participate in the NASP program at a school that is certified to offer the program. NASP is an archery education program designed to be part of a school's physical education curriculum and is tailored for grades four through 12. Participants not only learn international-style target archery, but also about archery history, safety, technique and equipment. Students also learn the importance of mental concentration, core strengthening, physical fitness and self-improvement.

Tournament participants will be divided into three scoring divisions -- Elementary School, Middle School and High School – and awards will be distributed within those divisions.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.